Top 10 sportspersons who came out of retirement

After initially hanging their boots, these superstars treated their fans with another sensational spell.

The world of sports is very harsh and requires extreme discipline to excel. The physical demands are constantly increasing and the burden on the athlete’s body becomes unbearable over time. Only a few individuals reach the pinnacle of their field, retire, and then return to play at the highest level once again.

Over the years, several high-profile personalities in sports have announced their retirement only to return and do what they do best. Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri recently announced his retirement from international football but has returned to the Indian national football team.

Also Read: Full list of Indian athletes nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards

Chhetri’s miraculous return to international football reminds the sporting fraternity of sportspersons who returned from retirement. Here’s a look at the top 10:

Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and an inspiration for women in the sport. The former world No. 1 in women’s tennis singles rankings and winner of 25 major titles retired in 2003. She returned in 2005, retired again in 2007, and made another successful comeback in 2012. She finally retired for the last time from the sport in 2017.

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, the fourth-highest goalscorer ever in international football, is one of the greatest footballers from Asia and a legend of Indian football. He scored 94 goals in international football, beaten only by greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of active goal scorers. The 40-year-old retired from international football in June 2024.

However, the announcement of Chhetri’s return to the national team surprised the entire country, as the Blue Tigers began preparing for the international break in March 2025.

Also Read: List of countries Sunil Chhetri scored against

Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders from England. His club career saw him win multiple trophies with Manchester United. However, he initially retired as a professional in May 2011 but returned next year to help the Red Devils win the Premier League one more time. He finally hung his boots in May 2013.

Imran Khan

Imran Khan is one of the greatest cricket players produced by Pakistan. Before entering politics, Khan was popular in his country as he had played in the national cricket team. He came back from retirement in 1988 after announcing it in 1987. His inclusion in the team led to Pakistan winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1992, after which Khan retired for good.

Also Read: Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award: List of all winners

Michael Schumacher

The F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and few names hold more respect than Michael Schumacher. Regarded as the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, the German decided to retire in 2006 after winning seven world championships. However, he returned in 2010 to drive for Mercedes and eventually retired again in 2012.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady is one of the most iconic American sports personalities of all-time. The legendary football player announced his retirement in 2022 after winning seven Super Bowl titles. However, only 40 days later, he announced a return to the sport before finally hanging up his boots in February 2023.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football took the world by storm after Argentina’s exit from the 2015 Copa America. However, he returned to the national team a few weeks later and eventually guided them to winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Also Read: Lionel Messi: List of all goals for Inter Miami

Michael Phelps

When it comes to men’s swimming, there is no greater name than Michael Phelps. The legendary American swimmer announced his retirement after the 2012 Olympic Games in London. However, he announced his comeback in 2014 and participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where he won five gold and one silver medal.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, also returned from retirement. He initially hung his gloves in 1978 after winning the world heavyweight title three times. He returned to the ring two years later and eventually retired permanently in 1981.

Also Read: What is TOPS program? How does it support elite Indian athletes?

Michael Jordan

A legend in all senses of the word, Michael Jordan, returned from retirement too. He shocked the world after retiring in 1993 but returned to basketball two years later to the relief of millions of his fans worldwide. He finally retired in 2003, ten years later after winning six NBA championships.

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